Jeeps are always popular. But the 2019 debut of the Gladiator—essentially a Wrangler with a pickup bed—injected a whole new level of excitement into the off-road brand. The original Gladiator was based on the Wagoneer, a much larger vehicle. But Jeep briefly sold a smaller, CJ-7 based pickup. It’s known as the CJ-8 Scrambler, like this 1985 model for sale on eBay Motors in Elkhart Lake, Wisc.
There’s a big divide between old-school Jeep-heads and the new breed of owners. The last true Jeep (at least, according to die-hard aficionados) was the TJ chassis built until 2006.
Shop now for Jeep CJ-8 Scramblers
Successive generations got bigger and less adept at tackling narrow off-road trails. Plus, the addition of luxury features attracts mainstream buyers who want the cool factor of a Rubicon-rated vehicle but use them as mall crawlers—much to the chagrin of long-time devotees. So if you want a true CJ-based pickup, look no further than the CJ-8.
Ready for Trails and Hauling
Jeep sold the CJ-8 from 1981 to 1986. It’s a CJ-7 with a stretched wheelbase and a small rear bed. Many CJ-8s had colorful decal packages, though the “Scrambler” name came from a specific appearance package. Nevertheless, the catchy name stuck.
Jeep sold about 28,000 vehicles, which is low volume for a Jeep. Legend has it that President Ronald Reagan owned a blue one that he used at Rancho del Cielo, his southern California property. The US Postal Service in Alaska used converted right-hand-drive and hardtop CJ-8s to carry cargo over difficult terrain. Some off-roaders found the longer wheelbase of the CJ-8 useful for added stability on rough terrain.
CJ-8 Scrambler Power Possibilities
The example for sale is a restomod. The suspension and body were shined up with a new paint job and decals. The listing says that it’s Saxon Yellow, but that is a pale yellow color. This brighter yellow appears to be a custom mix, although perhaps it’s appropriate for an off-roader of this vintage.
The vehicle is powered by an AMC 4.2-liter inline-6, which is good for 115 horsepower at 3200 rpm with a good bottom-end of 210 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm. Power is put down through a 4-speed manual and a Dana 300 transfer case. The CJ-8 Scrambler’s odometer reads just under 2,100 miles, but keep in mind that this is a 5-digit unit. Naturally, 4-wheel drive with a dual-range transfer case is part of the package.
Since it’s a restomod, some items are not factory original. The seats, upholstery, and door cards were refinished with modern substitutes. The builder also added aftermarket wheels and tires to the package.
When new in the 1980s, a CJ-8 Scrambler cost around $7,500. That’s roughly equivalent to $23,000 in 2023 dollars. So, the asking price of $39,900 is on the high end of the spectrum. You might expect a stock survivor in that price range.
However, this example is not so precious so it can be driven hard without guilt. You’re certain to get a lot of Jeep waves from fellow classic Jeep owners.
